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Election sparks spirited debate about Mormonism

The article says we are grateful for the new found attention, but I don't know anyone who is grateful. We have to deal with curiosity seekers and journalists that frequently commit such errors as stating that Joseph Smith founded the state of Utah and the reference to magic underwear. We knew it was coming and we are dealing with it, but I for one am not grateful. It feels more like being the center of attention at a freak show where everyone looks but no one talks. I realize this too will pass, but I prefer the old fashioned methods of getting the word out. I realize the Church and it's members didn't ask for this, but we have to do our best, as much as we are given the chance.

I don't live in Utah. One of my friends asked me what I thought about Romney. I told him that as an American, I think that he is a very capable administrator. As a Mormon, I'm terrified. Not that I don't think that my church can stand up to scrutiny. But it has a hard time against hit pieces. Anyone can tell a lie by creating cleverly crafted statements that, although they appear to contain true statements, are in fact inflamatory/deceitful. Yes, Mormons believe Jesus and Lucifer are brothers. It sounds weird to a Nicean Christian with little exposure to LDS doctrine or non-biblical Apostolic texts.

As a missionary in Argentina several people screamed profanities at me because they were still mad about a war fought over a decade before that America didn't even fight. Other times I was chased, had to dodge fists, had my glasses knocked off my face, and numerous people were convinced that I worked for the CIA. I am convinced that a Romney presidency would further cement the mental equation LDS=USA, and would be the cause of at least one missionary death. Imagine the world-wide animosity if Romney were as popular as George W. Bush.

To those who really want to know, I will take all the time they require. Not because I have any intention of "Selling" the gospel. That will happen on its own, if it is to be. I genuinely enjoy discussing religion. Not just mine, but those of other travelers that I come in contact with. Through those discussions I have come to better understand my own faith.

To those who seek to belittle or mock my faith, I have no time for. Ill-mannered imbeciles, who take pleasure in tearing down that which others hold sacred generally take great pride in their bigotry. It is fruitless to provide them an avenue to bring further attention to themselves.

While there will always be moronic few who lack the social graces to be respectfull of others, most people genuinely want to understand what kind of people we are.

Irish author Brendan Behan once said, "There is no such thing as bad publicity except your own obituary." Like it or not, the LDS church is in the national spotlight. The attention will only grow stronger, the question is, are we ready to provide the answers to the many inquiries?

Elder Ballard recently spoke at BYU-Hawaii's commencement, and encouraged members to speak up and participate in answering questions about the church.

"Perhaps now, more than ever, we have a major responsibility as Latter-day Saints to define ourselves, instead of letting others define us,"

"There are conversations going on about the church constantly. Those conversations will continue whether or not we choose to participate in them. But we cannot sit on the sidelines while others, including our critics, attempt to define what the church teaches."

I'm excited for the opportunity to share my beliefs with others who are willing to listen. Peter taught that we should "be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you the reason for the hope that is in you" (1 Peter 3:15). Members will be put on the spot, and that may not be a bad thing. Opposition keeps us sharp.

It is true that Mormons can be persecuted because of misperceptions on Church history and Joseph Smith. Many of us have probably had something do us because of some bigoted perception of what others have of "people/Mormons from Utah" and can relate to the previous post. It is a common occurance for people to leave the Church based on not wanting to defend it in the face of bigotry.
But never forget that today is a drop in the bucket compared to the price paid in establishing the Church and those early people, many of whom lost their life, facing murderous mobs and the Boggs extermination order. In comparison, the Church is not persecuted much at all today.

We see anti-Mormon articles in our local news papers almost every week, here in Alabama. We have been told by our Bishop to not respond to these articles. I wished that we could get get the real truth printed.I have been concerned about this but what can I do?

^^^
I'm concerned that what Patata has said could become a reality. While I think Mitt Romney would be a major step forward, as an excellent administrative President, I worry about the backlash that the LDS Church might suffer for every little imagined flaw in his administration.

(Patata Brava | 12:58 a.m. Dec. 16, 2007)

Well, If Mr. Romney were President, at least I could believe 75 percent of every thing he tells me.

How else did we think the Church was going to come out of obscurity? This is great attention. It is fantastic. So many have preconceived notions about this amazing restored Church even right here among the most concentrated areas for members. It shows we need to get out more often and socialize. We need to talk more about who we are. We can do that as members. The doors are being flung open for us to stand up and be counted. What an amazing thing. Many are Mormon-phobic, and they can and do see us every day. Let's rise up, live more as we know we should, talk more about the blessing of being members. I am sure people hear a barb here or there meant to dissuade them and they wonder how anyone could be taken in, so we are now being placed into situations where we can tear down the walls. People around us have a right to know why we love this religion, why we have become better people, why the rumors and lies about our beliefs are off base. Only then will they open their minds and allow the Savior to speak peace to their hearts.

I have enjoyed the discussions raised with folks who ask, "Mormons really can't be as bad as all that?" or, "That isn't really what you believe, is it?" It amazes me to see who people actually listen to about what others believe. I just responded to an accusation that Mormons belong to a cult. It all depends on the definition.

He asked a simple question for more understanding and it was been taken out of context. Huckabe has aploziged and Romney has accepted. If they are over it so should we. Not Just Romney, but any LDS person who has ventured as far as Romney has is going to cause a stir. So we need to be ready. I think a good place to start is to center on our 11th Article of Faith and go from there.

Do you think Huckabee would be surprised to learn that he is Satan's brother too? As children of God we all are brothers and sisters. Let's realize that and treat each other that way, help each other be better people. And ODonnell, where in the world does he think the Garden of Eden is? It had to be somewhere. We love him more because he could use it more. I hear him rant and I think "here is a man who needs a hug".

I see nothing negative about all of the media attention. This will only speed up the work providing opportunities for members to share the gospel by answering questions raised by their friends.

People need to open their mouths and seize the opportunity when it presents itself, instead of cowering in the corner.

Found it interesting on the way home a few days ago to hear Mike Huckabee play the "victim" on an NPR radio interview-noting that he wondered why he was being attacked for his faith more than any other of the candidates. That he alone in a definitive one-sided manner was being called to answer questions about his faith.

Sorry Governor Huckabee, but this is one of the most disingenuous statements I have ever heard in any political campaign. And frankly, something that I would not expect from a true follower of Jesus Christ.

We must realize how absolutely corrupting the political process is when an ordained Baptist minister stoops to such outright lies. To take potshots at what another holds sacred is uncivilized and this campaign has been full of such behavior.

Our Canadian friends may be right to question our political process. Where is the civility? The honesty? It all goes away in the quest for political power. Honestly, there seems to be no more "win-win" among our politicians. No more what is best for America and her citizens. Honesty and civility be damned.

Come on America, it is time to demand civility, honor, and honesty from our leaders!!

It seems to me that an emphasis on the similarities between the LDS faith and Early Christianity should allay some of the animosity. I think it should be fairly easy for Southern Baptists and Evangelicals to acknowledge that the LDS faith believes in the (original) New Testament Jesus - which doesn't include the "Creeds" - which are "nowhere to be found in the New Testament".

My hope is that this political focus will help Utah Mormons see their culture in a larger context. My observation is that being a Mormon in Utah brings out the worst in Mormon culture, largely because members loose sight of how their world fits in with the larger world. Mormonism is a beautiful life concept, which when lived with humility and intelligence, is at its best. When lived in isolation with the all-too-typical attidude of defensive ignorance, it turns ugly and deserves to be seen as weird and abberant.

Yes, I am terrified for Mitt.
He and his family are such good people to have to contend with the "nuts of society"

I also am terrified for America.
If we don't elect a leader that is qualified, what will become of us?

What do mainstream Christian churches teach about the creation, existence, and role of Satan?

In marketing there is a saying, "All publicity is good publicity". Terrell Owens and other athletes seem to have proven this time and again. This article is quite insightful and would never have been written had not an earlier trivialization of the topic occurred first.

I am a Mormon and I have mixed feelings about a member being President of the USA. I suppose Mitt can keep his church membership at arms length from his Presidential duties, but for good or for ill his presidency would be interwoven with our religion.

As for the recent outburst by the political pundit, I am glad that free speech is alive and well (at least for certain topics). I suspect most Mormon's would oppose hate speech and hate crime legislation as unnecessary incursions into constitutional protections such as freedom of speech. If so, then why is there this hue and cry for a guy like this to be censored and dismissed from his show? If you don't like the show, turn it off. Not many people watch these shows anyway and those that do probably aren't very interested in Joseph Smith.

While debate about the LDS church is raging in the media, this is perhaps the worst article I've seen on the subject. Why on earth does the author cite "Mormonism for Dummies" when the authoritative source is within walking distance?

It is poorly written articles, like this one, that provide wood for the fire later. Please, please, please, write something that's worth reading.